'It' bags for Christmas

Whether you're spoiling yourself or looking for an indulgent gift for that (very lucky) lady, there's nothing quite like a lust-have It bag. Size-wise, it's a case of handbags at dawn this winter with minute shrunken clutches versus leviathan totes; think minuscule by day, massive by night. Chainmail, snakeskin, super shiny patent, garish brights and quilted finishes are hot, hot hot, and hobo as well as structured shapes are where it's at. We show you how to skip those endless wait lists with a selection of the definitive bags of the season; which you won't have to flog the family silver to afford:

The Tiny Quilted Clutch v. the Huge Patent Tote

The dinky clutch graced autumn/winter catwalks from Paris to New York and is the evening It bag of choice this season. Sienna Miller smoulders on the red carpet in her Alexander McQueen dress polished off with a white and gold Marc Jacobs clutch. And with Chanel reissuing its 50s classic 2.55 bag, beloved by style icons like Jackie O and Catherine Deneuve, no cocktail dress should not be without this quilted clutch, a snip at £19.50.

On the flip side, enormous patent totes as seen on Nicole Richie and the Olsen twins threatened to weigh down their owners at D&G and Marni. Remember the rule here is big is most definitely better so throw caution to the wind and choose the supersize option. This huge patent tote in fashion-forward crimson red has 'It bag' written all over it; you just have to find enough stuff to fill it with.

The Medieval Chainmail Bag

The hard-as-nails rock 'n' roll meets medieval warrior princess look has forced its way into this season's accessories with Burberry Prorsum's studded, armour-plated offerings the hottest of the season. Christopher Bailey's attitude-heavy Knight and Hoxton totes will set you back the best part of £1,000 so save your hard-earned cash and grab this achingly hip Anna Schulz chainmail bag for a fraction of the price.

The Iconic Tote

One It bag that will never go out of fashion is the inimitable Birkin by Hermès. Specially created for English-born French star Jane Birkin in 1981, this bag is luxe with a capital L with a price tag to match and a wait list of years. Victoria Beckham turns heads in her matching pink Roland Mouret dress and ostrich skin Birkin; this quality red tote is a dead ringer for the Hermès classic and at £35, a good £9,000 cheaper.

The Metallic Snakeskin Tote

There's nothing that whispers opulence and decadence more than a statement bag in crocodile, stingray or snakeskin. A key winter trend, you're guaranteed the wow factor with one of these babies but you'd probably need to remortgage your house to acquire one. Avoid the wrath of animal rights campaigners and score double fashion points with this very affordable, reptile-friendly faux snakeskin tote in metallic of-the-moment silver.

The Bright Tartan Buckle Bag

Nu-rave inspired brights feature in the hottest collections of the moment and Vivienne Westwood-esque punky tartan has made its biggest comeback in years. This winter, garish clashing colours and plaid bags rule and are great for livening up those on-trend dull greys and stark monochrome outfits. Tick several fashion boxes and blind oncoming traffic with this very covetable tartan and bright lime green buckle bag from Boden.